The UK Ministry of Defence plans to acquire Skyhammer interceptor missiles from Cambridge Aerospace to counter drone threats, with deliveries expected from May. The system will also be supplied to Gulf partners under a multi-million pound agreement.
Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany plan to set up a joint venture in early 2026 to develop naval laser weapon systems. The move follows joint trials of a laser demonstrator tested at sea and is aimed at providing drone defence capabilities for the German Navy.
Germany has opened a new Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin, which becomes operational in January, brings together agencies to counter drone threats, with increasing sightings near airports, military sites and energy facilities.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of legal challenges to a bill expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in domestic drone defence after a surge in suspected Russian drone sightings. The plan would strengthen police capabilities and create a joint defence centre, but faces constitutional concerns over military involvement in internal security.
Germany plans to order over 600 Skyranger air defence systems from Rheinmetall in a deal worth more than €9 billion to strengthen its drone defence. The mobile system, now in testing, can be mounted on Boxer and Leopard 1 vehicles and is designed to counter modern aerial threats, including drone swarms.
